The punishment for adultery under the Mosaic law (for both the man and the woman) was death, probably by stoning (Lev. 20:10; Deut. 22:22-24). From the days of Noah the biblical penalty for murder was death (Gen 9:6), reiterated in the law (Ex. 21:12; Lev. 24:17). The Lord, in his mercy, released David from the customary penalty (2 Sam. 12:13).